Lord God: you are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow; kings and kingdoms come and go, but you remain the same – and through it all, your prophets speak your unchanging word to our ever-changing world.

Today’s reading walks me through dark days in the history of your people. And I am reminded again how much I need your mercy and grace living in today’s world:

“Most merciful God, I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbors as myself. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on me and forgive me; that I may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.”
[Episcopal Book of Common Prayer – adapted]

“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:36-40 (NLT)

+ Lord God, you are jealous about your relationship with me. Your love knows no bounds, but you expect reciprocity in our relationship. Rekindle in me the desires of “first love” to love you with all my heart, soul and mind and to acknowledge your presence with me throughout the day.

+ Lord God, you are alive; your very presence permeates all things in heaven and earth, and you live in me through the power of your Spirit. Reveal to me the knock-off imitations in my life – that draw me away from worshiping you alone – the One True God.

+ Lord God, you are just; you reign over all the earth with Truth and Righteousness. Your commandments codify life under your rule; your Son personifies Truth and Righteousness; and your Spirit enables me to live as a citizen of heaven. Show me where I am out of step with you, that my children and grandchildren might not bear the consequences of my disobedience.

+ Lord God, you are holy; you are an all-consuming fire – you pour out your fury to purge your people of their wickedness. You heap on the heads of the wicked the full penalty for all their sins. No one can stand before you, or come into your presence, apart from your mercy and grace.

Lord God: your prophets continually proclaimed the truth, exposed sin, and warned of coming judgement – and they were ignored. Even your Son was ignored, and then killed, because your people couldn’t handle Truth.

But you had the last word – you raised him from the dead and placed him at your right hand to judge the living and the dead. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy – on me. Apart from you, I am lost. Save me. Lord, from myself – through Jesus Christ your Son, who lives with you in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever. Amen.
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May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
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